Ivanishvili Criticizes Saakashvili, Wants West's Help On Russia Ties

Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili (left), flanked by Defense Minister Irakli Alasania, speaks to the media in February.

Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili says his government is working on "rectifying mistakes committed by the previous government."

Addressing the 83rd Rose-Roth seminar of NATO's Parliamentary Assembly in Tbilisi, Ivanishvili said his government needs assistance from international partners to reestablish ties with Russia disrupted in 2008 after short war with Moscow over Georgia's breakaway territory of South Ossetia.

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Ivanishvili criticized President Mikhail Saakashvili's "counterproductive stance" that led to the military conflict with Moscow.

Ivanishvili reaffirmed Georgia's willingness to join NATO, adding that Tbilisi is ready to provide its transportation facilities for the withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan next year.

The three-day seminar brought together some 220 participants, including about 70 lawmakers from NATO and partner countries, as well as officials from the countries of the region.

Based on reporting by apsny.ge and Interfax